Isn it cruel to talk to a grieving family about donation?
A number of in-depth studies of families who have donated organs and tissues clearly show that donation can provide immediate comfort and long-lasting consolation. Even families that decide not to donate report they appreciated the opportunity to choose. Studies also indicate that families may experience anger and frustration if they are not given information about donation. Donation tends to give families a sense that something positive has resulted from an otherwise tragic loss — especially when the donor is young and death is unexpected. Donation will not lessen a family’s grief, but it can be a tangible tribute to the individual they have lost.
